Hunters whose trucks became stuck in tundra fined $10,000

The four hunters who got two pickup trucks stuck in the tundra off the Dalton Highway last year trying to retrieve caribou they shot have paid $10,000 in restitution to the U.S. government, officials with the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks announced on Tuesday.

The fine will cover "penalties, rental and other administrative costs," according to a press release issued Tuesday.

"I think that's a significant fine," said public affairs specialist Doug Stockdale with BLM in Fairbanks. "I hope this is something that makes people take notice."

In addition to the $10,000 they've already paid, the four hunters, all of whom were military personnel, have agreed to take part in a public outreach program over the next six months to help "orient" other military personnel new to the state and "promote the responsible use of resources."